Plane Hip Range Of Motion Research Articles

Sagittal plane ankle kinetics are associated with dynamic hip range of motion and gait efficiency in women with hip osteoarthritis.

Loss of sagittal plane hip range of motion (ROM) is a commonly reported walking gait impairment in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sagittal plane hip ROM reduction and the resulting altered sagittal plane ankle kinetics during gait influence the energy cost of walking in people with hip OA. We evaluated 24 women with unilateral hip OA (60 ± 9.1 years; 29.4 ± 6.1 kg/m2 ). Sagittal plane hip ROM and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment were assessed by instrumented gait analysis. We also used a portable metabolic system to measure the energy cost of walking. Pearson correlations and regression analyses were performed to test our hypotheses. We found that greater involved limb sagittal plane hip ROM was associated with a larger ankle peak dorsiflexion moment at push-off during gait (R = 0.50, p = 0.01). Greater involved limb peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off was associated with a lower oxygen consumption during gait (R = -0.51, p = 0.01). Involved limb peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off predicted 26% of the variance in O2 cost. Statement of Clinical Significance: Sagittal plane hip ROM was associated with peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off during gait in women with hip OA. Moreover, peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off was associated with the energy cost of walking. Therefore, modifying sagittal plane hip ROM and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment could be a possible rehabilitation strategy to improve gait efficiency in women with hip OA.

Comparison of Ischial Containment and Subischial Sockets Effect on Gait Biomechanics in People With Transfemoral Amputation: A Randomized Crossover Trial

ObjectiveTo compare gait biomechanics of the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum (NU-FlexSIV) Socket to the ischial containment (IC) socket. DesignRandomized crossover trial with 2, 7-week periods. SettingPrivate prosthetic clinics and university research laboratory. ParticipantsA total of 30 enrolled (n=30); 25 participants completed the study with full (n=18) or partial data (n=7). InterventionsTwo custom-fabricated sockets (IC and NU-FlexSIV), worn full-time for 7 weeks, with testing at 1, 4, and 7 weeks after socket delivery. Main Outcome MeasuresGait analyses were conducted at 1, 4, and 7 weeks post socket delivery. Differences between sockets in selected gait variables related to hip motion and coronal plane socket stability were assessed. ResultsFor participants with data for both sockets at week 7 (n=19), there were no significant differences in any gait variables between sockets at self-selected normal walking speed. However, when all participants and all study time points were assessed (n=25), there was a significant main effect of socket (P=.013), with prosthetic side sagittal plane hip range of motion being significantly greater for the NU-FlexSIV Socket at self-selected normal walking speed. There were no other significant effects. ConclusionsThe results suggest that, compared to the IC socket, the NU-FlexSIV Socket did not alter gait biomechanics related to hip motion and coronal plane socket stability in people with unilateral transfemoral amputation.

The influence of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion on unanticipated cutting kinematics

PurposeExplore whether dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) influences cutting kinematics.MethodsDorsiflexion ROM was measured in 42 individuals using the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). Unanticipated cutting kinematics were collected at initial contact (IC) and between IC and maximum knee flexion using three-dimensional motion and inertial measurement unit methods. Multiple linear regressions with sex as a confounder were used to explore the relationship between kinematic variables and WBLT dorsiflexion ROM for both legs.ResultsWBLT dorsiflexion ROM values were 51.33 ± 6.48° and 50.21 ± 7.00° on dominant and non-dominant legs, respectively. For dominant leg cutting, transverse plane knee ROM increased 0.20° (p = 0.037), sagittal plane trunk ROM increased 0.16° (p = 0.044), and trunk flexion at IC decreased 0.39° (p = 0.009) for each degree of WBLT dorsiflexion ROM measured. Males had 5.89° greater trunk flexion at IC than females. For non-dominant leg cutting, peak lateral trunk flexion towards the stance leg, and sagittal and coronal plane hip ROM increased 0.36° (p = 0.039), 0.24° (p = 0.017), and 0.21° (p = 0.005) for each degree of dorsiflexion ROM, respectively.ConclusionsDorsiflexion ROM influences cutting kinematics and may contribute to anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Preoperative gait compensation patterns in unilateral hip osteoarthritis patients: Do they persist one year postoperatively?

This study tested the hypothesis that men and women have different preoperative and postoperative gait impairment relative to sex-matched healthy controls, and that the extent of gait improvement after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is different between men and women. A group of 124 THA subjects was identified from a motion analysis data repository; age and BMI-matched male and female control groups were then identified from the same repository. Dynamic sagittal plane hip range of motion (HROM) and peak 3D external moments at subjects’ normal walking speeds were analyzed. Each hypotheses was tested using linear regression models, to adjust for potential confounding effects of walking speed. Preoperatively, the THA vs. control group differences in the HROM and peak adduction moments were larger in women than they were in men (p=0.007). The THA group vs. control group difference in the peak external rotation moment was larger in men (p=0.004). After surgery, HROM increased more in women than in men (p=0.020). However, peak adduction moment decreased in men but increased in women (−0.11±0.93 vs. 0.28±1.3%BWH, p=0.045). Accordingly, postoperatively the THA group vs. control group differences in the peak external rotation moment remained larger in men than in women (p=0.016). There were no other sex-specific differences (p=0.072–0.876). This study suggests that men and women have slightly different patterns of gait recovery after THA and may benefit from sex-specific rehabilitation strategies. These differences also underscore the importance of accounting for sex in biomechanical studies.

Lower functioning patients demonstrate atypical hip joint loading before and following total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

Previous studies have established that up to 1 year post total hip arthroplasty (THA), patients do not recover normal function and the magnitude of hip joint loading remains reduced compared to healthy individuals. However, the temporal nature of the loading profile has not been considered to identify individuals who are at a greater risk of poor functional outcomes following THA. This study aimed to determine changes to the profile and magnitude of the resultant hip joint reaction force before and up to 6 months post-primary THA, and factors associated with atypical loading profiles. Hip joint loading was computed using a personalized lower-limb musculoskeletal model in 43 participants awaiting primary THA for osteoarthritis (mean age: SD = 65, 14 years; body mass index: SD = 30, 5 kg/m2 ) before and up to 6 months after THA. Atypical, single-peak loading profiles were observed for 11 patients before surgery, where four showed a single peak at 6 months. Patients displaying a single-peak profile walked slower (mean difference: -0.4 m/s) compared to individuals displaying double-peak profile (P = <.001) and had significantly reduced sagittal plane hip range of motion during gait (mean difference -9.6°, P = <.001). Self-reported pain, function, and stiffness did not differentiate between patients with a single or double-peak loading profile. Individuals with a single-peak force profile did not meet the minimal clinically important hip range of motion during gait and would be classified as low-functioning THA patients. Clinical Relevance: The temporal nature of the force profile may help to identify individuals who are at the greatest risk of poor functional outcomes after THA.

Does Wearable Crutch Walking Excessively Load the Hip Joint?

PURPOSE: As an alternative to using traditional axillary crutches for non-weightbearing, the use of a wearable crutch has been associated with better functional outcomes. However, hip and back pain have been reported as side effects. This may be due to the reduced ability of the lower extremity to attenuate ground reaction forces. The primary objective was to compare compressive forces at the hip between wearable crutch walking, normal walking and axillary crutch walking. It was hypothesized that hip forces would be higher with wearable crutch walking compared with normal walking and axillary crutch walking. METHODS: Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured in 12 healthy subjects (11 men, 1 woman, age 36±10 yr) during normal gait, axillary crutch ambulation and wearable crutch walking (iWalk 2.0). Hip and trunk range of motion, as well as peak vGRF and peak hip and low back compressive force during the stance phase, were compared for the three conditions using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Gait speed while wearing the wearable crutch was reduced 44% compared to normal gait and 33% compared to crutch ambulation (P < 0.001). Frontal and sagittal plane hip range of motion were both significantly reduced during both crutch conditions compared to normal gait (P<0.001). Trunk range of motion in both planes was greatest during wearable crutch walking compared to both normal gait and crutch ambulation (P<0.001). Peak vGRF while wearing the hands-free crutch was 12% lower than normal gait (P<0.001) and 30% lower than crutch ambulation (P<0.001). Peak compressive hip force during wearable crutch walking was 11% lower than during normal walking (P = 0.026) and 30% lower than during axillary crutch walking (P<0.001). Low back compressive force during wearable crutch walking was 18% higher than during normal walking (P=0.03) but not different than during axillary crutch walking (1.4 % difference P>0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Despite a reduction in the shock-absorbing ability of the lower extremity, vGRF and compressive hip forces were not increased during wearable crutch walking. Although low back compressive force did increase with this device, it did not exceed the forces during axillary crutch walking. Therefore, the wearable crutch seems to be safe for patients who are required to be non-weightbearing.

Sex-specific hip osteoarthritis-associated gait abnormalities: Alterations in dynamic hip abductor function differ in men and women

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis results in abnormal gait mechanics, but it is not known whether abnormalities are the same in men and women. The hypothesis tested was that gait abnormalities are different in men and women with hip osteoarthritis vs. sex-specific asymptomatic groups. Methods150 subjects with mild through severe radiographic hip osteoarthritis and 159 asymptomatic subjects were identified from an Institutional Review Board-approved motion analysis data repository. Sagittal plane hip range of motion and peak external moments about the hip, in all three planes, averaged from normal speed walking trials, were compared for men and women, with and without hip osteoarthritis using analysis of variance. FindingsThere were significant sex by group interactions for the external peak hip adduction and external rotation moments (P=0.009–0.045). Although asymptomatic women had peak adduction and external rotation moments that were respectively 12% higher and 23% lower than asymptomatic men (P=0.026–0.037), these variables did not differ between men and women with hip osteoarthritis (P≥0.684). The osteoarthritis vs. asymptomatic group difference in the peak hip adduction moment was 45% larger in women than in men. The osteoarthritis vs. asymptomatic group difference in the peak hip external rotation moment was 55% larger for men than for women (P<0.001). Sex did not influence the association between radiographic severity and gait variables. InterpretationNormal sex differences in gait were not seen in hip osteoarthritis. Sex-specific adaptations may reflect different aspects of hip abductor function. Men and women with hip osteoarthritis may require different interventions to improve function.

Effect of Orthotic Gait Training with Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis on Walking in Children with Myelomeningocele.

Background: Mechanical orthoses are used to assist in standing and walking after neurological injury in children with myelomeningocele (MMC). Objectives: To evaluate the influence of orthotic gait training with an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) on the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters of walking in children with MMC. Methods: Five children with MMC were fitted with an IRGO. They walked at their own comfortable cadence using the orthosis. The hip joint angle, spatial temporal parameters, and compensatory motions were measured and analyzed. Results: Significant increases in walking speed and step length were demonstrated following orthotic gait training during walking with the IRGO. The sagittal plane hip range of motion was also significantly increased; however, the vertical and horizontal compensatory motions were significantly decreased. Conclusion: This study evaluated the influence of gait training with an IRGO on the kinematics and temporal spatial parameters in MMC children. The findings showed that orthotic gait training improved hip joint range of motion, increased walking speed and step length, and decreased lateral and vertical compensatory motions during level-ground walking trials.

Hip joint mechanics during walking in individuals with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis

The purpose of this case-control study was to characterise hip joint kinematics and moments during gait in people with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis (OA). Eligible participants were allocated to the hip OA group (n=27) or the age-matched control group (n=26) based on radiographic and symptomatically defined inclusion criteria. Participants walked barefoot along a 10-m walkway at their self-selected gait speed. Trajectories of 43 markers attached to the trunk, pelvis, upper and lower limbs were recorded using a 12-camera motion capture system. Ground reaction force data were simultaneously collected. Individuals in the hip OA group had a 10% higher body mass, 13% slower self-selected walking speed, 10% shorter step length, 2% and 9% longer relative stance and double support duration (% stride) respectively, 41% lower sagittal plane hip range of motion, and 28% and 45% lower peak sagittal and transverse plane hip joint moments respectively during gait compared to controls (p<0.05). The finding that individuals with mild-to-moderate hip OA experienced less net hip joint loading over a reduced range of hip motion for a longer proportion of the gait cycle when walking at their preferred gait speed suggest that the mechanics of the hip joint are altered in hip OA, and could have implications for disease progression through altered mechano-biological processes within the joint.

Gait abnormalities before and after total hip arthroplasty differ in men and women

This study tested the hypothesis that men and women have different preoperative and postoperative gait impairment relative to sex-matched healthy controls, and that the extent of gait improvement after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is different between men and women. A group of 124 THA subjects was identified from a motion analysis data repository; age and BMI-matched male and female control groups were then identified from the same repository. Dynamic sagittal plane hip range of motion (HROM) and peak 3D external moments at subjects’ normal walking speeds were analyzed. Each hypotheses was tested using linear regression models, to adjust for potential confounding effects of walking speed. Preoperatively, the THA vs. control group differences in the HROM and peak adduction moments were larger in women than they were in men (p=0.007). The THA group vs. control group difference in the peak external rotation moment was larger in men (p=0.004). After surgery, HROM increased more in women than in men (p=0.020). However, peak adduction moment decreased in men but increased in women (−0.11±0.93 vs. 0.28±1.3%BWH, p=0.045). Accordingly, postoperatively the THA group vs. control group differences in the peak external rotation moment remained larger in men than in women (p=0.016). There were no other sex-specific differences (p=0.072–0.876). This study suggests that men and women have slightly different patterns of gait recovery after THA and may benefit from sex-specific rehabilitation strategies. These differences also underscore the importance of accounting for sex in biomechanical studies.

Biomechanical Effects of Prefabricated Foot Orthoses and Rocker-Sole Footwear in Individuals With First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear on spatiotemporal parameters, hip and knee kinematics, and plantar pressures in people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A total of 102 people with first MTP joint OA were randomly allocated to receive prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker‐sole footwear. The immediate biomechanical effects of the interventions (compared to usual footwear) were examined using a wearable sensor motion analysis system and an in‐shoe plantar pressure measurement system.ResultsSpatiotemporal/kinematic and plantar pressure data were available from 88 and 87 participants, respectively. The orthoses had minimal effect on spatiotemporal or kinematic parameters, while the rocker‐sole footwear resulted in reduced cadence, percentage of the gait cycle spent in stance phase, and sagittal plane hip range of motion. The orthoses increased peak pressure under the midfoot and lesser toes. Both interventions significantly reduced peak pressure under the first MTP joint, and the rocker‐sole shoes also reduced peak pressure under the second through fifth MTP joints and heel. When the effects of the orthoses and rocker‐sole shoes were directly compared, there was no difference in peak pressure under the hallux, first MTP joint, or heel; however, the rocker‐sole shoes exhibited lower peak pressure under the lesser toes, second through fifth MTP joints, and midfoot.ConclusionPrefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear are effective at reducing peak pressure under the first MTP joint in people with first MTP joint OA, but achieve this through different mechanisms. Further research is required to determine whether these biomechanical changes result in improvements in symptoms.

The effect of tibiotalar alignment on coronal plane mechanics following total ankle replacement

BackgroundGait mechanics following total ankle replacement (TAR) have reported improved ankle motion following surgery. However, no studies have addressed the impact of preoperative radiographic tibiotalar alignment on post-TAR gait mechanics. We therefore investigated whether preoperative tibiotalar alignment (varus, valgus, or neutral) resulted in significantly different coronal plane mechanics or ground reaction forces post-TAR. MethodsWe conducted a non-randomized study of 93 consecutive end-stage ankle arthritis patients. Standard weight-bearing radiographs were obtained preoperatively to categorize patients as having neutral (±4°), varus (≥5° of varus), or valgus (≥5° of valgus) coronal plane tibiotalar alignment. All patients underwent a standard walking assessment including three-dimensional lower extremity kinetics and kinematics preoperatively, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. ResultsA significant group by time interaction was observed for the propulsive vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), coronal plane hip range of motion (ROM) and the peak hip abduction moment. The valgus group demonstrated an increase in the peak knee adduction angle and knee adduction angle at heel strike when compared to the other groups. Coronal plane ankle ROM, knee and hip angles at heel strike, and the peak hip angle exhibited significant increases across time. Peak ankle inversion moment, peak knee abduction moment and the weight acceptance vGRF also exhibited significant increases across time. Neutral ankle alignment was achieved for all patients by 2 years following TAR. ConclusionsRestoration of neutral ankle alignment at the time of TAR in patients with preoperative varus or valgus tibiotalar alignment resulted in biomechanics similar to those of patients with neutral preoperative tibiotalar alignment by 24-month follow-up.

Passive hip movement measurements related to dynamic motion during gait in hip osteoarthritis.

Reduced sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) has been reported in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA) both during walking and passive testing. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between hip extension ROM recorded during gait and passive hip extension ROM in individuals with moderate and severe hip OA, in comparison to an asymptomatic group. Sagittal plane hip ROM was calculated using skin surface marker trajectories captured during treadmill walking at self-selected speed. Passive hip ROM was measured using standardized position and recording procedures with a goniometer. Sagittal plane extension, flexion, and overall ROM were measured dynamically and passively. A two-way mixed model analysis of variance determined significant differences between groups and between passive and dynamic ROM (α = 0.05). Pearson correlations determined relationships between passive and dynamic ROM. Significant group by ROM interactions were found for flexion and extension ROM (p < 0.05). For extension, the severe OA group had less dynamic and passive ROM compared to the other groups and greater passive than dynamic ROM (p < 0.05). For flexion, significant differences in passive ROM existed between all three groups (p < 0.05) whereas no differences were found for dynamic flexion (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between dynamic and passive hip extension were found in the moderate (r = 0.596) and severe OA (r = 0.586) groups, and no correlation was found in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.139). Passive ROM explains variance in dynamic ROM measurements obtained during gait in individuals with moderate and severe hip OA which have implications for the design of treatment strategies targeting walking pathomechanics. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1790-1797, 2016.

Hip joint motion and gluteal muscle activation differences between healthy controls and those with varying degrees of hip osteoarthritis during walking

Purpose: Compare gluteal muscle activation patterns and three-dimensional hip joint movements among those with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA), moderate OA and a healthy group during walking. Scope: 20 individuals with severe OA, 20 with moderate OA and 20 healthy individuals were recruited. Three-dimensional hip motion and surface electromyograms from gluteus maximus and medius were collected during treadmill walking at a self-selected speed. Angular displacement characteristics were calculated for three-dimensional hip motions. Principal component analysis extracted amplitude and temporal features from electromyographic waveforms. Analysis of Variance models and student t-tests using Bonferroni corrections determined between group differences in these gait features (α=0.05). Conclusions: Sagittal plane hip range of motion was significantly reduced with increasing severity of OA (p<0.05) where as frontal and transverse plane range of motion was reduced in the severe OA group only (p<0.05). Activation patterns of gluteus medius and maximus did not differ between the healthy group and those with moderate hip OA (p>0.05). Individuals with severe OA walking with more prolonged gluteus maximus activation and prolonged and less dynamic gluteus medius activation compared to the other two groups (p<0.05). This study highlights the changing function of the hip joint during walking with increasing hip OA severity.

Lower limb joint angular position and muscle activity during elliptical exercise in healthy young men.

The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint angular position and muscle activity during elliptical exercise using different foot positions and also during exercise on a lateral elliptical trainer. Sixteen men exercised on a lateral elliptical and on a standard elliptical trainer using straight foot position, increased toe-out angle, and a wide step. Motion capture and electromyography systems were used to obtain 3D lower extremity joint kinematics and muscle activity, respectively. The lateral trainer produced greater sagittal and frontal plane knee range of motion (ROM), greater peak knee flexion and extension, and higher vastus medialis activation compared with other conditions (P < .05). Toe-out and wide step produced the greatest and smallest peak knee adduction angles, respectively (P < .05). The lateral trainer produced greater sagittal and frontal plane hip ROM and greater peak hip extension and flexion compared with all other conditions (P < .05). Toe-out angle produced the largest peak hip external rotation angle and lowest gluteus muscle activation (P < .05). Findings from this study indicate that standard elliptical exercise with wide step may place the knee joint in a desirable frontal plane angular position to reduce medial knee loads, and that lateral elliptical exercise could help improve quadriceps strength but could also lead to larger knee contact forces.

Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on mediolateral foot-placement ability during post-stroke gait.

Accurate and precise mediolateral foot placement is important for balance during gait, but is impaired post stroke. Mediolateral foot placement may be improved with ankle-foot orthosis use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an ankle-foot orthosis improves mediolateral foot-placement ability during post-stroke ambulation. Crossover trial with randomized order of conditions tested. The accuracy and precision of mediolateral foot placement was quantified while subjects targeted four different randomized step widths. Subjects were tested with and without their regular non-rigid ankle-foot orthosis in two separate visits (order randomized). While ankle-foot orthosis use corrected foot and ankle alignment (i.e. significantly decreased mid-swing plantar flexion, p = 0.000), effects of ankle-foot orthosis use on hip hiking (p = 0.545), circumduction (p = 0.179), coronal plane hip range of motion (p = 0.06), and mediolateral foot-placement ability (p = 0.537) were not significant. While ankle-foot orthosis-mediated equinovarus correction of the affected foot and ankle was not associated with improved biomechanics of walking (i.e. proximal ipsilateral hip kinematics or mediolateral foot-placement ability), it may affect other aspects of balance that were not tested in this study (e.g. proprioception, cerebellar, vestibular, and cognitive mechanisms). Studies that investigate the effect of ankle-foot orthosis on gait can help advance stroke rehabilitation by documenting the specific gait benefits of ankle-foot orthosis use. In this study, we investigated the effect of ankle-foot orthosis use on mediolateral foot-placement ability, an aspect of gait important for maintaining balance.

Influence of orthotic gait training with powered hip orthosis on walking in paraplegic patients

Objectives: Gait training has been shown to improve the walking performance of spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients. The use of powered hip orthoses (PHO) during gait training is one approach which could potentially improve rehabilitative outcomes for such subjects. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the influence of a PHO on the kinematics and temporal–spatial parameters of walking by SCI patients. Methods: Four SCI patients participated in this study. Gait evaluation was performed at baseline and at 10 weeks following intervention with the use of a PHO and gait re-training. Walking speed, step length, vertical and horizontal compensatory motions and hip joint kinematics were analysed prior to and following the training regime. Results: Significant increases in walking speed and step length were demonstrated by the SCI patients when walking with the PHO following orthotic gait training. Sagittal plane hip range of motion also increased, but not significantly. However, vertical and horizontal compensatory motions decreased significantly. Conclusions: Positive effects on the kinematics and temporal–spatial parameters of gait by SCI subjects were demonstrated following a period of gait training with a PHO. Further studies are therefore warranted to confirm their long term effects on the rehabilitation of SCI subjects.Implications for RehabilitationPowered hip orthosis could be used by spinal cord injury patients.A major advantage of the orthotic gait training with powered hip orthosis was regeneration of hip movement closer to that of normal human walking.The orthotic gait training with the powered hip orthosis improved the kinematics and temporalspatial parameters in a spinal cord injury patient which also produced near-normal hip joint angle patterns during gait.

Comparison of isolated and combined orthotic devices on knee loading whilst ascending stairs in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis

Comparison of isolated and combined orthotic devices on knee loading whilst ascending stairs in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis

The effect of total hip arthroplasty surgical approach on gait

This study examined the effect of the surgical approach used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) on gait mechanics six months following surgery. Quantitative gait analysis was performed on 29 subjects: 10 anterolateral (A-L) and 10 posterolateral (P-L) THA patients and nine able-bodied, velocity-matched subjects. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine the distinction of the groups with respect to sagittal plane hip range of motion, index of symmetry, trunk inclination, pelvic drop, hip abduction, and foot progression angles. The A-L group had the largest trunk inclination (3.0 ± 2.4°) and the smallest hip range of motion (34.0 ± 7.4°). Both THA groups demonstrated greater asymmetry as expressed by the smaller symmetry index (0.97 ± 0.04 for A-L and 0.98 ± 0.05 for the P-L) than the able-bodied group (0.99 ± 0.01). The classification procedure correctly classified 89% of the control group cases, 90% of the A-L cases, and 50% of the P-L cases. These results support the conclusion that six months following surgery, the gait of the majority (85%) of THA patients has not returned to normal. The A-L patients displayed distinct gait patterns, while a small percentage (30%) of the P-L patients demonstrated normal gait. While these differences are statistically significant, the clinical significance is unknown and linked to the duration that they persist.